Diagnosis is not based on a single value; it requires consistent measurements and context, said Dr Pranav Ghody, consultant endocrinologist and diabetologist at Wockhardt Hospitals in Mumbai Central. Dr Pranav Ghody is a consultant endocrinologist at Wockhardt hospitals in Mumbai Central. He said that diagnosis cannot be based on a single value, but rather requires consistent measurements. Poor sleep, stress or recent illness can cause fasting sugar to be higher than normal. In these cases, the readings may not reflect your normal metabolic state,” said Ghody. Lab variation can also influence results. Readings can be affected by small differences in testing methods, sample handling, or even hydration. Dr Ghody explained that most guidelines recommend repeating the fasting blood glucose test on a new day before making a diagnose. Consult your doctor before beginning any new routine. Doctors take into account more than one number. They compare fasting glucose to other measures, such as HbA1c or an oral glucose test. “If the results are borderline or normal, it could indicate that the elevated value was not a trend but an exception,” said Dr Ghody. Another possibility is “impaired glucose fasting” or prediabetes. “In some individuals, fasting sugar levels can occasionally exceed the threshold level but not consistently enough to qualify for diabetes. Dipika Kakar treats son Ruhaan to homemade gajar ka halwa, admits she and husband Shoaib Ibrahim only give him sugar in moderation: ‘He is in the growing age’Clinical judgment is important here. “A doctor will consider symptoms (such as increased thirst, frequent urine, or unexplained loss of weight), family history, your body weight, and overall risk. Story continues below this adHere are some things to keep in mind. (Photo: Quora). Diagnosing diabetes is about observing patterns over time, rather than focusing on one reading. “If there’s uncertainty, your doctor will likely suggest repeat testing and follow-up rather than rushing to a diagnosis.”DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Consult your doctor before beginning any new routine.
